Bugs Archives

Revive your old PC or Mac with this free download

Many computer users feel the need to keep their devices up to date with the latest hardware. After all, if you don’t have the latest components or accessories, your laptop or desktop computer might not be compatible. Tap or click here for seven laptop maintenance steps you should do regularly to keep yours happy.

An excellent example of this is Windows 11. Your system must meet a few strict requirements before installing the operating system. So, if your computer didn’t make the cut, you might have opted to buy a new one that does.

But what do you do with your old machine? Or what can you do with a computer that hasn’t been powered up in a few years? Read on to discover how new software can give your once-dead computer a new lease on life.

Here’s the backstory

Windows 11 or even Windows 10 needs a fair bit of computing power for your machine to run efficiently. If you have an old MacBook, newer updates to macOS might not be compatible or could slow down your device.

So, what are you to do? Thanks to Google and some clever engineers, the company released an operating system that doesn’t much care for the components in your computer.

Google’s ChromeOS Flex is free, explicitly developed for businesses with a small turnover or cash-strapped families. The operating system lets your PC or Mac work like a Chromebook, needing fewer resources to run.

It can turn an old Windows laptop or MacBook into a Chromebook. The benefits of ChromeOS Flex are:

Laptops boot up quickly and the operating system updates automatically in the background.
Google’s apps and services like Docs and Sheets are always available.
You can sync your iCloud account with ChromeOS Flex.
Security features include the ability to block executable files from triggering.

It does come with a caveat, though. The entire experience is cloud-based, meaning you need a reliable and constant internet connection. You can still browse files on your device, but you won’t be able to access content in Google Drive or iCloud without an internet connection.

How to get ChromeOS Flex

If ChromeOS Flex seems like a good option, you’ll be happy to know that the installation process is relatively simple. You have two options, and Google will guide you through each.

Continue reading →

5 apps that can clean up your Android in minutes

Everyone loves that new phone feel. For the entire 15 minutes it lasts. Your phone seems to slow down as soon as you start downloading apps and using them to comb the internet.

Performance is essential for everyone regarding their smartphone, considering they help organize our lives. So a slow phone can be a real buzz kill. Tap or click here for seven things you didn’t know your Android could do.

Continue reading →

🦟 Bug off, bloodsucker!

I found some deals to keep skeeters and ticks at bay:

This self-sealing magnetic screen door is on sale for $26.99. Great for keeping out bugs (and allowing pets in and out).
A two-pack of this lemon eucalyptus oil spray prevents deer ticks, Lone Star ticks and brown dog ticks without DEET, and it’s under $20.
Hate being sticky from a spray? This portable device diffuses repellent to keep the biters back up to 20 feet (25% off).
These cute foldable table fans will keep the black flies away from your burgers. Get a two-pack for 20% off.
Trap gnats and other annoying flying insects with a plug-in blue-light flytrap. It’s satisfying (but a little gross) and only $12.99 right now.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Bet you didn’t know this: You can reset your browser’s settings to wipe out bugs and improve its performance. In Chrome, go to Settings > Reset settings. Look for a similar option in your browser of choice.

Update your Apple gear ASAP: Apple dropped important security updates that patch a serious bug in Safari for Macs, iPhones and iPads. Google’s Threat Analysis Group believes a foreign government is behind the attack. On a Mac, click the Apple icon > System Settings. Look for “Software Update Available.” The latest version is Sequoia 15.1.1. Update your iPhone to iOS 18.1.1 under Settings > General > Software Update.

4 colors

Mosquitoes love most: Red, orange, black and cyan (a bright green-blue). Researchers found the pesky bugs are most likely to ignore green, purple, blue and white. Summer color scheme: Check! ✅

iOS 16.3.1 fixes major vulnerabilities but may cause a problem for this popular app

Google recently updated the world’s most popular browser, patching up 15 security flaws and adding some new features. Here’s what you get with the latest version of Chrome.

That’s not all we have in update news. Apple released an update that fixes some features and patches two significant vulnerabilities. Here’s what you need to know.

Continue reading →

PC acting up after the latest update? Try this

The latest update from Microsoft fixes 14 issues in Windows 10, but it’s not going smoothly for some.

There is always a chance that something can go wrong during an operating system’s update, and the last patch is creating havoc for some users. It’s not as severe as past update consequences, but it can still hamper productivity.

Continue reading →

Life’s little problems, solved

Don’t hold your phone the whole flight. This $13.97 mount clamps onto the airplane tray table for hands-free viewing. Works on desks or your luggage, too.
Not a fan of in-ear earbuds? These open-ear headphones are for you, and they’re on sale for $24.99.
A little scanner to make sure your Airbnb or hotel room is free of hidden cameras or bugs. And it’s 40% off!
Rechargeable LED lights that stay on for three to four hours when the power is out. A set of two is on sale for $17.99.
Buh-bye, cord mess. A retractable pair of cords, plus ports for two more, make it a snap to charge four devices at once. It’s 28% off now.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Feature or bug? Criminals’ iPhones are rebooting on their own when seized by the cops, and it’s all tied to a recent iOS 18 security update. Law enforcement is calling it a nightmare when it comes to retrieving evidence. Here’s the issue: When the phone reboots, it defaults to a “Before First Unlock” state. Even if police use third-party tools to try to access the data, they can only get limited information. No word yet on a fix.

This is awful: The Washington Post found Google Trends offers an unsettling peek into what people are trying to kill. Top targets? Bugs like ants, fleas and flies. Grass, mold and weeds are also on the hit list. It gets darker. Cats and dogs are among the most searched-for “how to kill” animals. The most popular search, though, is “How to kill yourself.” If you ever think that, call or text 988, please.

Be a beta tester: Get early access to new operating system upgrades, if you’re willing to deal with potential bugs and glitches. Here’s the link for iPhone beta, and you can also become a Windows Insider.

Outdoor living upgrades

These deals are all under $10 and an easy way to level up your summer life outside. With deals like this, the steaks aren’t too high for your patio paradise.

Bug out: A magnetic screen door will keep the bugs at bay as you move between indoors and outdoors. It’s a steal at $8.99 (44% off).
Under pressure: Clean the driveway or patio with a high-pressure garden hose nozzle. Get a pack of two brass nozzles for half off ($9.99).
Backyard upgrade: These solar-powered rope lights make any outdoor setup party-ready. Snag ‘em for just $9.99.
Dining deterrents: Don’t let flies ruin dinner. Place a couple of these fly fans (23% off, $9.99) on the table. They really work!
Grill me: This multiuse silicone mat holds your tools for easy cleanup after grilling. It’s an easy upgrade for only $8.99.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Shoo fly, don’t bother me

Flies are so annoying. You need these on hand at all times:

This telescopic flyswatter with a stainless-steel handle lets you find your nemesis without getting out the step stool. Get two for $6.99.
A six-pack of flyswatters (15% off, $10.16) means you can keep one in every room. They also come with adhesive hooks for hanging.
Keep flies out of your food with the holographic blades on these battery-operated fly fans. A four-pack is 36% off ($28.99). Putting this on my outdoor table, like, now.
Flying bugs indoors? This bestselling indoor powered trap is $15 (17% off) and will get rid of flies, gnats, moths and more.
For the outdoors, pick up this $10.49 Terro fly magnet that attracts, traps and kills a variety of flies, including house flies, barn flies and bottle flies.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

Bug repellers

It’s patio season, which, unfortunately, also means bug season. Dun-dun-dun. I rounded up three great products to keep bugs at bay.

Coils: Place these citronella coils ($10.75 for 24) strategically around you. Lemme tell you, they work.
Racket: A little sadistic, sure, but catching the mosquito that keeps buzzing your ear is so satisfying. Grab a mini one (33% off) and go for the kill shot.
E-diffuser: Make your patio a mosquito-free zone with a portable electronic diffuser ($26.50). The cartridges are scent- and smoke‑free.

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

35M locations compromised through the popular iShare app

Bugs meant anyone could see the precise location of any other user — creepy. The company fixed the vulnerability only after the researcher who discovered it reached out to TechCrunch.

Like a boss: If you live in California, the proposed “right to disconnect” bill would fine your boss $100 every time they bug you after hours — unless it’s a real emergency. Does this also mean the boss gets $100 every time someone on staff bugs them? Didn’t think so.

The latest iPhone update introduced a bug - Try this if your Wi-Fi is spotty

It is increasingly rare for software updates to be glitch-free. Over the last few years, there have been numerous instances where a new operating system, software upgrade or firmware update introduced weird bugs.

And the tech giants are not immune to these bugs, either. Microsoft’s Windows 11 launch generated several bugs, and now Apple’s latest iOS update is acting up for some users. If you notice that your Wi-Fi is losing connection, it’s most likely this latest glitch.

Continue reading →

Protect your tech: Time to update Chrome, Windows and iOS

One of the easiest ways to protect against security flaws, hacks, bugs and viruses is to keep your software and devices updated. Developers push updates and patches to repair known security issues and prevent future ones.

Continue reading →

If your apps are crashing, blame the latest Windows update

You can expect a new operating system to have a few bugs and issues down the line, but Windows 11 users drew the short end of the stick. The operating system’s launch has been all but smooth.

You should expect updates to fix security vulnerabilities and iron out bugs, but it’s never a good sign when an update crashes your system. Unfortunately, that is happening with a recent Windows update.

Continue reading →